Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America

Keenan Mico Mendoza recently shared his experience of going to college across the country from his hometown -- an experience many LEDA students may find themselves in as well: "Having to commute 2,866 miles and 8+ hours just to get to school sounds horrific. I thought I could never get used to the guilty feeling of leaving the house I grew up in and having opportunities that my family never had access to. I thought I could never adjust to the culture shock of being a Californian in the Northeast. But in those long days full of travel, I started to realize how much I actually enjoy it. I get to travel to NYC and Boston with ease. I get to attend Yale. I get to see more of the world that I never would've seen, through people, places, food, and experiences. Most importantly, I get to live the life that my ancestors worked so hard for me to have. I will forever be grateful for it." #LEDA4Life

The 2025 Career Fellows Application is now open! Each spring, LEDA recruits a cohort of college first and second year students to become LEDA Career Fellows. Approximately half of each cohort are LEDA Scholars, while the other half are new to our community.? ? The program kicks off with a?free 5-day Career Institute in New York?City from August 3 – August 8, 2025.?After the Career Institute, our Fellows as well as all LEDA Scholars, receive ongoing support with career exploration, career planning, professional development, and employer engagement. ? If you or someone you know would be a good fit be sure to apply or nominate a student by our application deadline of April 14th, 2025 here:?https://lnkd.in/esZAbnr To apply visit?https://lnkd.in/ew2k_P69

This week, we celebrated a special milestone — LEDA's 21st anniversary! On March 10, 2004, LEDA officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and for the past 21 years, we’ve been empowering the next generation of leaders. We’re proud to reflect on over two decades of impact, growth, and an incredible community of scholars and alumni who continue to inspire us every day. Happy birthday, LEDA! Here’s to the years ahead and the leaders yet to come. #LEDA21 #LEDAAnniversary #LEDA

This Women’s History Month, LEDA celebrates the women whose leadership, innovation, and vision have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations. From trailblazers who broke barriers to everyday leaders making a difference in their communities, their impact is felt in countless ways. At LEDA, we honor the strength, ambition, and achievements of women past and present. By recognizing their achievements and championing their future, we embrace the limitless potential of women everywhere. #WomensHistoryMonth #EducationEmpowers #LEDA

The Countdown is on! We are just 3 months away from LEDA's 2025 Annual Celebration. This is your reminder to mark your calendar and get ready for an evening filled with inspiration and celebration. [add additional info if provided] May 6 will be here before you know it!

Today, we recognize the extraordinary impact of a woman whose leadership, courage, and dedication to justice left a lasting mark on history. As a mentor and advocate for the Little Rock Nine, Daisy Gatson Bates played a pivotal role in the desegregation of public schools, standing firm in the face of adversity to champion educational opportunity. Bates’ legacy is a powerful reminder of the strength found in resilience and the lasting impact of leadership. Her work continues to inspire us to uphold the values of perseverance and progress as we strive for a future where education empowers all. #DaisyGatsonBatesDay #BlackHistoryMonth #EducationEmpowers #LEDA

Happy Valentine's Day from LEDA! Today, we celebrate the strength of community and the kindness and support that unite us. Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and gratitude! #ValentinesDay #EducationEmpowers #LEDA4Life

This Black History Month, LEDA celebrates the impact of Black scholars, educators, and leaders who have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations. Their legacy reminds us that education is not just a pathway to opportunity - it is a force for empowerment and change. At LEDA, we believe in the transformative power of education, echoing the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." As we honor the past and celebrate the present, we remain committed to fostering a future where every aspiring leader has the opportunity to reach their full potential. #BlackHistoryMonth #EducationEmpowers #LEDA4Life

Happy #LunarNewYear! Today, we celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and transformation. The Lunar New Year offers a moment to honor our achievements, embrace growth, and set new goals for the year ahead. At LEDA, we are inspired by this season to continue empowering diverse talent and cultivating the leaders of tomorrow. Together, let’s carry forward the spirit of this new year—celebrating progress and fostering a brighter, more inclusive future.

Mark your calendars! LEDA's 2025 Annual Celebration will be held on May 6 at The Lighthouse at Pier Sixty in NYC! Join us as we come together to celebrate the achievements all who make LEDA's mission possible. Stay tuned for more details - we can not wait to celebrate with you!